Investing in software system upgrade is often a complex and time-consuming process. However, the cost of failing to modernize can be more painful. It could lead to losing out completely to competitors and exiting the market.
Business today moves faster than any time in history. As such, companies seeking an edge must invest in streamlining internal processes through modern systems. Legacy systems may cater to the demands of current operations. Here are signs that your software system is due for an upgrade.
Frequent Crashes and Slow Execution Speeds
There are two reasons your system might be experiencing slow speeds and frequent crashes. First, it may be that the design is poor. This diagnosis is possible through systems testing to identify areas where such design requires improvement. The second reason could be that the system is too old to handle the current demand of your operations. In this case, replacement with a modern solution is the only way forward.
Your Vendor no longer Supports the Software
When using third-party software, the vendor will often provide frequent updates and improvements. However, there might reach a time where the vendor no longer supports the software. They might build a totally different solution to perform the tasks better. If your company sticks to the old solution, there might be problems when attempting to fix bugs or diagnose the causes of glitches. It is best to keep up with industry-standard software.
For instance, when using macOS, you may be required to have the latest version in order to use new software from Apple or even from third-party developers. Sticking with old versions of operating systems might mean missing out on new productivity solutions.
A Lack of Mobile Access
Developers today build websites and software that can be accessed from mobile devices. In fact, most internet traffic in the world is via mobile devices. It is standard for businesses today to have a mobile app strategy.
How do your workers use the system of your current operations? If your field workers can only access your system from the office, it means they are faced with the inefficiency of pen and paper whenever outside your premises. It might result in low morale, time wastage, and inaccuracies in your records. Mobile capabilities also enable your workers to work from home which is also in keeping with global trends.
Disproportionate Hardware Costs
Do you still host your software inside your business premises? Why don’t you use cloud servers? Research indicates that businesses that leverage cloud solutions make savings of up to 65% in infrastructure costs within 3 years.
Relying on hosting your legacy software on-premises means that you need to upgrade your hardware frequently. You will also have to incur maintenance costs. In addition, you may end up spending more on licensing software for each machine. Cloud-based computing means that your staff can share one virtual machine that could result in so much savings on software costs as well.
Your Software System has Obsolete Technology
It is important to consider the era and the technology with which your software system as built. What programming language was used?
When a business uses software built using old programming languages, it may have trouble recruiting staff that can use it properly or even conduct maintenance. This might result in the business having to invest additional resources towards retraining new staff. In a fast-moving world, the business may be unable to attract new talent because the skills they acquire at that workplace may not be useful in the future of their career.
The Software System is vulnerable to Security Breaches
Old systems are more vulnerable to security breaches compared to newer systems. The encryption on modern systems is safer than old systems. If your software system suffers frequent breaches, there is a risk of losing consumer confidence and as such you might need to consider an overhaul.
We have already mentioned situations where the vendor no longer provides update for old software. Such scenarios could mean that if the system’s encryption algorithm were to be hacked, the vendor would not be in a position or provide a patch to fix the vulnerability.
Software is Unable to Keep up with Growth
There could be a case where your software system is not able to support your business as it scales. The developers may have intended for the number of users to be below a few dozen. However, if the business sees itself growing in multiples, the best solution would be to upgrade to a more robust system.
Certain industries such as health have their IT strategy closely monitored by relevant authorities through the passing of regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Provisions under this act go as far as providing guidelines on the hosting of websites. With such specific provisions, it is only right to upgrade a system that exposes your company to breaching information security laws.
Upgrading an Old System
Despite the challenges that you might be facing working with an outdated legacy system, you must not rush to change it without a few considerations. First, consider the possible disruptions that migration could have on your workflow. It is best to do it during off-peak hours on months if it will take more than a few days.
In addition, a software system upgrade can be a significant capital investment depending on the size of your organization. As such, the company might need to plan and include the cost in their next financial budget. Third, picking the right vendor is crucial. The best vendor must be experienced and willing to provide support for the system.
Keeping up with trends in technology requires the company to invest time and resources. Allowing your staff to carry out research work on company time is a great way to start. Failure to do so might cause your company to always be reactionary in its approach to technology changes. Allow your staff to study trends and what competitors are doing to protect their market share.
If your company needs help with upgrading an old legacy software system, check out Transcendent Software LLC. We are an experienced IT solutions firm that helps clients get the right software solutions for businesses. We help with the whole process of building custom solutions to integration and customization.